The challenges facing development policy and projects implementation in Malawi

Abstract:

Malawi has introduced numerous policy reforms and projects with the aim to promote development
at the national and local level. However, despite the policy reforms and a major influx of donor aid, Malawi
remains one of the least developed countries of the world. Effective development policy and projects implementation
for sustainable national development is a major concern for both government and development
partners. Therefore, this paper examines the major hurdles facing development policy and project implementation
in Malawi since the advent of multi-party democracy in 1994. The central argument is that much
as effective development policy and project implementation is a function of many factors, the disposition of
political and bureaucratic leadership and the lack of capacity in institutions are the major constraints in Malawi.
The public bureaucracy is not only politicised, but there is a severe scarcity of skilled labour and finances. In
addition, corruption is rampant in both political and administrative circles. The paper concludes that pragmatic
strategies which include conducting political leadership and management development programmes, enforcing
mechanisms for combating corrupt practices and mobilising resources both human and financial must executed
in order to promote efficiency and effectiveness in the development policy and project implementation.

Description:

Journal article published in International Conference on Public Administration and Development Alternatives 04 - 06 July 2018, Stellenbosch University, Saldahna Bay, South Africa